The Inspiration for Work: Seeing Potential

Underneath all that drives us to work, there needs to be a vision for what could be – the potential that our work can turn into actual.

When we bought our current house and property, we saw a lot of potential in the yard. It was a really cool place; but it needed a good bit of planned cultivation to bring out its full potential for beauty.

In fact, the house came with (passed down by each owner) several plaques from the 1930’s when the grounds won awards for its design and landscaping. At one point, its potential had reached some pretty impressive actual.

I’d walk through the yard often, and envision what could be done. I’d get a picture in my mind of the end result. Then, I’d get to work – building walls, planting shrubs, thinning trees – whatever it took over the years to continuously improve the place.

The work was inspired by the potential, and the vision of a better future.

Our stewardship and our work in all realms is motivated similarly. Whether it is the growth of a family, the building of a church, the creation of a new business, or the landscaping of a yard, we are hard-wired by God to envision potential, and work toward it.

All believers are gifted to minister in the body of Christ. Are you thinking about the potential good that can come from your labors? Do you see the spot that God would have you fill, with productive (fruit-bearing) work that will bring increase?

Every fallow field is an opportunity. Dream about what could be. Work the place God has given you. Turn potential into actual.

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* This series is part of a 12-week study on the topic: Being Stewards of God <— (outline). We’re now in week 6, considering how work (in all its forms and spheres) is the main realm of stewardship. If you’d like to receive these posts in your inbox, just put your email address in the Email Subscription box on the blog’s right sidebar.